November 2007 Newsletter
GRAND LODGE F&AM OF UTAH
NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER
Freemasonry: The Right Course for Life’s Journey
Warm Fraternal Greetings,
I would like to begin by thanking all of the members from our Masonic Family who helped to make my homecoming celebration so memorable. Everyone had a wonderful time in St. George, enjoying each others’ company at the picnic, seeing “My Fair Lady” at the Tuacahn Amphitheater, having dinner at Rococo’s Restaurant with its breathtaking views, the joint visitation with the El Kalah Shrine and the Dixie Shrine Club, Franklin-Albert Pike Lodge and my Mother Lodge, St. George Lodge No. 33 and the open house at Edie’s and my home. I extend my sincere gratitude to Worshipful Brother Frank Baker, Worshipful Brother Keith Stout, Past Matron Lois Baker and the members of Silver Reef Chapter No. 26 OES for all of their effort in making the weekend great. Most especially, I would like to express my loving thanks and appreciation to my wife Edie, without whose tireless enthusiasm, my homecoming would have been impossible.
New Grand Lodge Banner Unveiled – To everyone’s pleasant surprise, the new Grand Lodge banner was unveiled for the first time during the dinner program at the St. George visitation. Patricia McIntire has been laboring for months, hand-embroidering every stitch on this masterpiece. It is simply incredible and left me speechless. The beautifully-ornamented and hand-carved redwood support structure and stand made by Most Worshipful Brother Bud McIntire is the perfect pairing for the new banner. I encourage everyone to closely examine these works of art during the Grand Lodge Communication February 1st and 2nd or at your earliest opportunity. We are deeply indebted to Pat and Bud for their dedication and love of our Fraternity for hand-crafting and presenting these magnificent pieces for all of Utah Freemasonry to enjoy for many years to come.
Illustrious Potentate appointed as Honorary Assistant Grand Treasurer – I am pleased to announce that Worshipful Brother Larry Fielden has accepted an honorary appointment to the Grand Lodge as the Assistant Grand Treasurer. Larry brings to the Grand Lodge his financial expertise which will greatly benefit the Grand Lodge’s investment strategy and we look forward to an excellent working relationship with him during the coming months as our Right Worshipful Grand Treasurer Richard Loomis plans for his retirement after eight years of loyal and dedicated service. We are privileged to have Larry on our Grand Lodge team.
St. John’s Day Ball – Friday, December 28th - Time is running out to reserve your table at THE black tie social event of the year! The Organ Loft will be the place to be for fine dining, dancing, and live entertainment to close out 2007. The social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. and diner starting at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $50.00 per person or $90 per couple, which includes a no host cash bar, your choice of roast baron of beef, stuff chicken breast or vegetarian lasagna, salad, potato, vegetable, cheesecake and beverage. Reservations, menu choice and payment are due by December 1st payable to the Grand Lodge of Utah. For more information, contact Arthur Reilly at 801-680-4981 or email at arthur5525@hotmail.com. Proceeds will benefit the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund. Seating is limited, so place your reservation today!
Masonic Foundation of Utah Awards Luncheon - The Masonic Foundation of Utah will hold its annual awards luncheon to distribute over $220,000 in student scholarships and grants to local non-profit charitable organizations dedicated to educational and social improvement. Emmy Award winning broadcast journalist Mr. Craig Wirth will be the master of ceremonies for the luncheon, which will held at the Salt Lake Masonic Temple on November 14th at 12:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for this special annual event. The price for the meal is $15.00 and reservations are to be made through the Grand Lodge office no later than November 9th. Join us and mix with upstanding members of our community as they receive their grants. This is an excellent opportunity to promote Freemasonry. As a reminder, tax-deductible donations to YOUR foundation are always gratefully accepted at the Grand Lodge office.
136th Annual Grand Lodge Communication
The 136th Annual Communication will begin on Friday, February 1, 2008. Registration materials are attached to this newsletter and in the hands of your Lodge Secretary. Remember, you can always download the information directly from the Grand Lodge website at www.utahgrandlodge.org for your convenience. Be sure to register early, though. The deadline is December 31st. On behalf of your Grand Lodge officers, I want to see as many eligible Master Masons attend as possible for a productive and informative session. Also, look for some new and exciting changes this time, such as a public, informal opening, an Entered Apprentice Degree ritual emulation presented by Sentinel Lodge #4707, Stockport, England, tours of Antelope Island and points of interest in Salt Lake City, a murder mystery fellowship banquet, etc. Read the details in your registration packets for complete information on all of the activities and events.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Dean D. Rein
Grand Master